Technical Abstract:
The continuing revolution in the life sciences promises an expansion of our collective understanding of the molecular regulation of basic biological processes. With respect to plants, a greater appreciation of principles governing the genetic basis of biological development and response will provide opportunities to optimize agricultural productivity in ways that maximize yield, minimize negative environmental consequences and anticipate and minimize ecological repercussions. The following outlines principles of plant gene isolation and characterization, molecular marker assisted breeding (with an emphasis on the complexities and opportunities associated with multi-genic traits), and the rapidly developing area of plant genomics. Of particular importance is the recent and necessary integration of computational biology for interpretation and analysis of the vast quantities of data resulting from sequencing and large-scale functional genomics and proteomics efforts. As additional genomes are sequenced and data on gene expression, protein and metabolite accumulation amass, the opportunities to gain insights into broader areas of evolution, crop domestication, and gene/genome organization and function will continue to expand at a rapid pace.